Uses: Blood Sugar Control

Chemical Name: Insulin

Quantity: 1 x 3ml Pen

Indications and Usage for Apidra

Prescription Apidra is a fast (rapid) acting insulin used for adults and children with diabetes mellitus to control high blood sugar. It is not known if APIDRA is safe or effective in children less than 4 years of age with type 1 diabetes or in children with type 2 diabetes. When used as a mealtime insulin, Apidra should be given within 15 minutes before or within 20 minutes after starting a meal. Apidra may be infused subcutaneously by external insulin infusion pumps.

Important Safety Information

Do not use Apidra if you have low blood sugar reaction or if you are allergic to insulin glulisine or any of the ingredients in Apidra. Do not share needles, insulin pens or syringes with others even if the needle is changed. Do NOT reuse needles. You may give other people a serious infection or get a serious infection from them.  Change (rotate) your injection sites within the area you chose with each dose to reduce your risk of getting lipodystrophy (pitted or thickened skin) and localized cutaneous amyloidosis (skin with lumps) at the injection sites. Do not use the same spot for each injection or inject where the skin is pitted, thickened, lumpy, tender, bruised, scaly, hard, scarred or damaged.  Before starting Apidra, tell your doctor about all your medical conditions, including if you have liver or kidney problems, if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant or if you are breastfeeding or planning to breastfeed.

Heart failure can occur if you are taking insulin together with pills called TZDs (thiazolidinediones), even if you never had heart failure or other heart problems. If you have heart failure, it may get worse while you take TZDs with Apidra. Your treatment with TZDs and Apidra may need to be changed or stopped by your doctor if you have new or worsening heart failure. Tell your doctor if you have new or worsening symptoms, including:

• Shortness of breath

• Sudden weight gain

• Swelling of your ankles or feet

Tell your doctor about all medications you take, including OTC medicines, vitamins, supplements, and herbal supplements.

When used a mealtime insulin, Apidra should be taken within 15 minutes before a meal or within 20 minutes after starting a meal. Test your blood sugar levels as directed by your doctor when using Apidra. Do not change your dose or type of insulin without talking to your doctor. Any change of insulin should be made cautiously and only under medical supervision. Check your insulin label to verify that you have the correct insulin before each injection. Use Apidra only if the solution is clear and colorless with no particles visible. While using Apidra, do not drive or operate heavy machinery until you know how Apidra affects you. Do not drink alcohol or use medicines that contain alcohol.